Algorithm for Processing Signals of the Incremental Encoder for Calculating the Angles of Rotation of the Torsional Pendulum

Abstract

The paper presents an algorithm for processing signals of an incremental sensor for evaluating free vibrations of a torsional pendulum when studying the frictional characteristics of lubricants as applied to steel ropes using the PowerGraph software. A steel rope is a complex and flexible rod system in which wires are in the form of a spatial spiral (helical line) or double helix. At the same time, inner wires of steel ropes are inside and are inaccessible for direct research, measurement and control. Analysis of frictional characteristics of lubricants used in steel ropes is aggravated by the multicomponent and complex structure of the research object. Experimental research methods in this case represent one of the most effective and reliable methods for assessing the operational properties of a product as a whole. The experiment is based on the damping process of rotational vibrations of a heavy load hanging on the investigated steel rope. The lubricant used influences such an oscillatory process, and the characteristic of such influence is the damping decrement of the oscillatory process. An incremental encoder is used as an angle sensor, which is installed coaxially with the investigated rope and provides a resolution of the rotation angle registration up to 0.18 degrees.